People readily admit some things about themselves, but not others. No one will admit they're a fool or lack understanding. Instead, you'll hear everyone say, "I wish my luck matched my brains." But people easily admit they're cowardly. They say, "I'm pretty timid, I'll admit it. But otherwise, you won't find me foolish." A person won't easily admit they lack self-control. They won't admit they're unfair at all. They definitely won't admit they're envious or nosy. Most people will admit they're compassionate. So what's going on here?
Some things men readily confess, and other things they do not. No one then will confess that he is a fool or without understanding; but quite the contrary you will hear all men saying, I wish that I had fortune equal to my understanding. But men readily confess that they are timid, and they say: I am rather timid, I confess; but as to other respects you will not find me to be foolish. A man will not readily confess that he is intemperate; and that he is unjust, he will not confess at all. He will by no means confess that he is envious or a busybody. Most men will confess that they are compassionate. What then is the reason?